Hearts of Fire and Ice

Chapter Eleven~ Jasper

I could tell Snowdrift's heart had been torn to pieces. Seeing her twin sister leave like that, knowing that Icecap's life was on the line... It must feel terrible. Even worse for her than it was for me. 

I took her talons in mine as we watched the blue IceWing fly off into the distance.  

"Don't worry, Snow. It will all be fine. My sister is dead, but I'm sort of happy that Icecap killed her, because she was threatening to kill you, and she was spying on me for the last week," I whispered in her ear. 

"I'm glad you're okay with that," Snowdrift sniffled. 

"Nothing will come between us now," I smiled.

"What about your mother? And Queen Glacier?" Snowdrift asked. 

"Whoops," I laughed. "I almost forgot about two of the strongest queens in Phyrria!" 

Snowdrift gave a small smile. I was glad to see that I was making her laugh. This was a tough time for her. 

"I really need to go home, though. There are probably guards out looking for me as we speak," I sighed, "And my mother will find out about Crimson's death very soon, I'm sure." 

"Do you really have to go so soon?" Snow looked up into my eyes. 

"I'm sorry, but I must. It's for both of our safety." I smiled at Snow. 

"Okay, I understand. But travel safe, okay?" Snowdrift said. 

Just before I turned to take off into the whirling snowstorm once more, Snow called, "Jasper! Wait! Is there any chance I might be able to see you again sometime soon? Like the time we met on the mountain?" 

"As long as I'm still alive!" I joked, then my tone became more serious, "Meet me there. The exact same mountain ledge, tomorrow eventing, at the exact same time. Can you do that?" 

Snow nodded, "I'm my own queen to here, Jasper. I can do whatever I please!" 

"Okay, sounds good to me," I ave a small smile, spread my wings, and lifted off. 

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I arrived on my balcony without any guards noticing I was gone. I don't think anybody noticed that Crimson was gone as well. I opened the huge glass door and slipped inside my room, and the door shut with another slam. Thank goodness Crimson wasn't here to bust me this time. 

Boy, was I wrong. A SkyWing Guard was standing in my bedroom. It was the exact same guard that was protecting the gates to the palace the day I met Snowdrift. He was large, menacing, and he had flaming orange scales and a nasty scar running along one flank. He held a spear in his talons, and I could tell this dragon wouldn't be afraid to use it.

"Your Majesty," the guard said, "Your mother has ordered me to escort you to her now." 

"I'm sorry Sir, but with all do respect, I'm afraid I don't have enough time," I replied politely. 

The guard scowled, "Is that so? What might you be doing that's so urgent, Prince Jasper?" 

"Military planning," I nodded. 

"I'm sorry Your Majesty, but your mother gave me direct orders to bring you to her now, with no exceptions. Come." The guard lowered his spear and pointed it at my face. 

"Y... Yes Sir!" I stammered. 

"Good," The guard gave what looked almost like a smirk. Was he finding this amusing?